Glory to God in the highest. A familiar phrase this time of year. The first time we see these words is in the story of Jesus’ birth. A great multitude of heavenly hosts appear to shepherds.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he pleased. Luke 2:14
A variation of the phrase heralds Jesus again. This time, he was not in a manger but was riding on a donkey. And it wasn’t a host of angels proclaiming, but a multitude of disciples with palm branches.
…the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:37-38
That won’t be the last time we hear multitudes giving glory to God. In the true spirit of Advent, let’s consider a scene in Revelation when we, a multitude from every nation, tongue, and tribe, join with every creature in earth and heaven to give the Lamb all the glory. What will that be like?
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen! Revelation 7:9-13 (See also Revelation 5)
As we set our hearts on your coming Jesus, we dream about this scene! And while we wait, we will practice every day. You are worthy, have all the glory, Jesus!
Brave Sparrow 